Month: June 2022

When to Replace the Roof on Your Industrial Building

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Industrial building roof replacement or commercial roof replacement are both expensive undertakings. Yet there comes a point in every roof’s life when replacement is absolutely necessary. In this blog, we will look at the signs that an industrial roof is wearing out and go over options for replacing it. 

Roof Lifespan

How long a roof lasts depends on how well it is taken care of, starting with its installation. Without preventative maintenance, an industrial roof will wear out long before its expected lifespan. Here are some expected durability timeframes for well-cared-for roofs:

Standing-seam metal roofs: 30-40 years

Single-ply roofing: 15-20 years

Modified bitumen and built-up roofs: 20-30 years

Once your roof starts approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s important to keep an eye out for other signs that it may be deteriorating.

The Four Signs It’s Time for an Industrial Building Roof Replacement

Well-maintained roofs will last for decades, but once they start exhibiting these problems, it’s time for a replacement.

  • Persistent leaks: If a leak continues even after a repair, then it may be time for a replacement. Any leaks that have infiltrated the insulation cannot be fixed and will require roofers to cut out the insulation and replace it for proper repair. 
  • A large number of leaks: If a roof has many different leaks, it’s likely a sign that part of the roof is compromised. If your building is experiencing many leaks in different parts of the building, it’s time for a new roof. 
  • Visible damage: Micro-perforations, or splits, in a single-ply roof are signs of membrane deterioration. When this occurs, it’s best to consider a full replacement, as repairs are costly and less effective.
  • Blistering: Water damage to a roof can cause gas to build up under the roofing membrane and cause blistering. This type of damage is a sign that the roof is aging, and it’s time to begin discussing replacement. 

What To Do if Your Industrial Roof Needs Replacement

Commercial roof replacement costs can be daunting, but a roof replacement can be a significant improvement for a building. A new roof will improve the look and safety of your building and can even create energy efficiency savings on your energy bill. If you’re ready to learn more about industrial roof replacement, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here and ready to help.

Corporate Building Owners: How to Choose the Best Commercial Roofer

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Corporations often have multiple buildings to manage, so their commercial roofs are only tangential to their business. Corporations need commercial roofing solutions that are simple, straightforward, and let them move on with their primary business. We put together a few tips for how to choose the best commercial roofer for your corporate project:

  1. Choose a reputable, local commercial roofer.

Your company may not be headquartered locally, but your roofer needs to be. Local roofing companies know how to handle the local supply chain and what projects work best for the regional climate. Start your search by looking for commercial roofers that have been in business for a long time. The best companies will have excellent reputations and be able to provide references and testimonials from other local clients.

  1. Ask about options for materials.

Commercial metal roofing contractors are not always the same as commercial low-slope roofing contractors. Though some roofers do it all, it’s important to choose a company that specializes in the type of material you plan to work with.

  1. Place value in communication.

While budget and quality are the most significant roofing considerations for most corporations, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of using a roofing company that values good communication and customer service. Roofers that display professionalism and focus on keeping their customers up-to-date make projects run smoothly.

  1. Ask about warranty management.

Commercial roofs are complicated systems that often have materials from a variety of different manufacturers. Tracking the terms of all of these warranties and ensuring they’re fulfilled if a problem arises is a big job. Rather than take on that responsibility, corporations can contract a roofing company that manages all of their warranties.

  1. Consider a roof maintenance plan.

A corporation’s relationship with its roofer isn’t over once construction is done. All commercial roofs require regular maintenance and repairs. Some roofing companies offer roof maintenance plans, which provide a hassle-free way for corporations to make sure their roofs are maintained well. When you opt for a roof maintenance plan, your roofing company will automatically schedule inspections and maintenance so business employees can focus on other tasks and priorities.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal can help with your corporation’s roofing needs, contact us today.

How to Evaluate a Commercial Roof Proposal

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The first step in any commercial roofing project is to gather proposals and bids from contractors. For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a proposal and how to recognize a skilled, legitimate commercial roofing contractor. We’ve put together this guide to help building owners properly evaluate a commercial roof proposal and decide on a contractor for their project:

What’s included in a proposal?

All commercial roofing proposals should include a scope of work, budget, and additional information specific to the job. In a bidding situation, these three basic elements will allow businesses to compare roofing companies. Every bid should include the same terms and scope of work in order to be fairly compared. Commercial roofing proposals should also contain:

  • Materials and material grades: Higher quality materials usually drive up the price of a quote. It’s important to make sure that you are being quoted for the best materials for the job. A low bid may be priced lower because it uses substandard materials.
  • Clean-up terms: Waste disposal and post-work tidying may seem like a given for a roofing job, but not all roofing companies include this in their work. Check to ensure that the terms of the clean-up are specifically laid out in the proposal. This way, your company isn’t left with a mess once the work is done.
  • Warranty: Reputable roofing companies stand behind their work. If something goes wrong and a commercial roof does not function as expected, your business needs to have the reassurance that the issue will be addressed. Make sure the terms of the warranty are laid out explicitly in the proposal to protect your investment in a commercial roof. 

Additional Roofing Considerations

Information about the roofing company and its past work isn’t always included in a standard proposal, but this information should be an important part of your decision. Look for commercial roofing contractors with at least ten years in business that can offer referrals from their previous clients. Ask for every company’s safety record and make sure that they carry the appropriate insurance for your job.

Choosing a Proposal

With your bids in hand and any additional information you’ve gathered about the company, you can begin to compare commercial roofing proposals. Make a list of the terms that are most important and create a pro and con list. Often, bids look very similar. In this case, it’s best to choose the company with the best customer service and track record. 

If you’re ready to get started with the bidding process for a commercial roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here to walk you through the entire proposal process.

How to Choose a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Whether it’s for a commercial roof repair or brand new construction, choosing a qualified roofing contractor is an important first step for any commercial roofing project. Before deciding on a commercial roofing company, be sure to consider these best practices for finding a qualified company:

Keep Your Search Local

When it comes to getting the best value, schedule, and experience, local roofing companies can’t be beaten. Only roofers with experience in your area can deliver the best service for a roofing project. Without knowledge of the area, outside roofers may struggle to find qualified workers or provide the same level of quality or customer experience. Roofing companies from areas with a different climate also may not realize what types of materials will perform best in your area. 

Start Your Search by Looking at Reputation

Only consider roofing companies known for quality work and excellent customer service. By narrowing down your search to companies that have been in business for a long time, you can weed out roofers that may not have the appropriate experience. Quality companies will have customer reviews online and can offer references to back up their work.

Check Licensing, Certifications, and Insurance

Before asking for a formal bid, make sure every company on your list has the proper licensing, insurance, and safety certifications for the job. Using a company without coverage can leave you vulnerable if anything happens on the job. Don’t be shy about asking to see proof of updated licenses and insurance policies. If you’re coordinating a major commercial roof project, you need to ensure that you’re protected. 

Solicit Bids and Highlight Your Greatest Needs

Even if you’re looking for help with design and aren’t totally sure of the exact specifications needed for your roof, it’s important to have at least a rough idea of your needs before soliciting bids. Does your roof need to support any equipment, like HVAC units? Will you want skylights or specialized ventilation? What is your budget and the ideal lifespan you’d like to see from your roof? Nailing down these priorities will help make sure that commercial roofing companies put forward their best possible bids to suit your specific needs.

Consider The Extras

It’s easy to forget about all of the little details that go into a roofing project. When comparing bids, be sure to check on details like prep work, clean-up, and warranty support. These often-overlooked maintenance tasks should be specifically laid out in the contract. Other services, like design support or custom sheet metal fabrication, can also streamline your project and help make it move along faster. 

Focus on Quality

The most important thing in any commercial roofing repair or construction project is to get it done correctly the first time. Poorly executed roofing work can result in costly damage or a premature roofing failure.

If you’re ready to start working with a qualified roofing contractor, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team of experts can walk you through the bidding process.

3 New Trends in Commercial Low-Slope Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The world has changed a lot within the last year, and the industrial roofing industry is evolving to accommodate these changes. Unfortunately, 2020 and 2021 were challenging years to plan and execute building construction and maintenance for many factors, including delays in supplies, insufficient staffing, and state-mandated social distancing regulations. 2022 and 2023 will be time to make up lost ground with the most efficient plans and quality execution.

Commercial low-slope roofing has become a popular choice for building owners due to its long-term quality, low maintenance, and, most recently, a new trend in commercial low-slope roofing—green roofs. In this article, we will discuss three trends in commercial low-slope roofing to look out for in the near future.

Investments in Metal Roofing

As the commercial low-slope roofing industry continues to be heavily influenced by rapidly changing environmental efforts, metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular material choice for building owners. 

The value of this investment is tenfold over the long-term financial forecast. Although there is a substantial difference in the initial cost of metal roofing compared to asphalt, the maintenance proves to be low-cost and minimal. In terms of the contribution to the green efforts, metal roofing has proven to be an excellent insulating roof choice, reducing heating and cooling costs with the proper interior insulation. It’s good to note, also, that metal roofing is best installed with a pitched or sloped roof.

A Renewed Focus on Maintenance

Now that some of the industry upheaval of 2020 and 2021 has subsided, a major priority of 2022 is to return to a regular and efficient maintenance schedule. Areas to pay particular attention to include:

  • Keeping your roof clean
  • Ensuring proper escape routes and drain systems
  • Having a consistent inspection plan

Use of Blank Space

Low-slope roofing provides a canvas of possibilities in the form of a semi-flat, stable surface. Although much of this space is accounted for by proper drain systems, which are essential for low-slope roofs, there is also ample space for social or functional accommodations.

Solar panels have become a common use for low-slope roofs. Gone are the days of the bulky solar panels you can see from miles away; solar panels now come in the form of indistinct tiles. In the same vein, green garden roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for industrial low-slope roofs. These living, vegetated roofs absorb heat and provide insulation, as well as serve to slow storm runoff. 

Hire a Trustworthy Roofing Professional

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, building owners have faced project delays as well as a lack of in-person consultations over the past year. As a result, many building owners have turned to self-education, and others have been forced to delay maintenance and now find themselves overwhelmed with frustration. We see you, and we are here to help. 

At Maxwell Roofing, we are ready to answer any and all of your commercial roofing concerns. We pride ourselves on our ability to both collaborate knowledge and provide expert insight. 

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Considering a Career in Commercial Roofing? Read This First.

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Do you like being outside? Working with your hands? Learning something new every day? You may want to consider a career in commercial roofing. In this guide, we will cover the benefits of a commercial roofing job and how to get started in the industry.

Why Choose a Career in Commercial Roofing? 

Commercial roofing jobs provide steady work at a good wage and are available to people with or without a college degree. Entering the roofing industry is a great way to learn new technical skills, many of which can later be applied to other construction jobs in the future. 

Beyond giving workers a good living, roofing jobs also fit into a lifestyle that many workers enjoy. Here are just a few things that commercial roofers say they love about their jobs:

  • Roofers spend most of their days working in the great outdoors.
  • Commercial roof work does not require prior education but allows ample opportunities to learn new skills and gain certifications. 
  • Many roofing jobs are seasonal, providing opportunities for students or people who want to take off part of the year.
  • Commercial roofing provides variety, taking workers to different job sites and providing new skills to learn while on the job.
  • For those looking to climb the career ladder, roofing provides plenty of opportunities for advancement. Roofers can work their way up to various construction supervisor jobs. Some roofers may eventually choose to switch over to another part of the business entirely and work in estimating or project management within the roofing industry.

How To Get Commercial Roofing Jobs?

Commercial roofing is a growing industry with plenty of well-paying jobs available both in roofing construction and on the business side.

For roofers, prior construction experience can help in finding a job, but it’s not a requirement. Most roofing companies offer on-the-job training. The important thing is having a strong desire to learn and to do good work. Commercial roofing is also great for customer service and office workers from other industries. Though commercial roofing may seem like a niche industry, many skills from other types of businesses translate to roofing work, making it easy for employees to make the leap.

To make the most of a search for commercial roofing jobs, interested candidates should be mindful of a company’s reputation and its years in business. Choosing a high-quality roofing company will help set you up for success in the industry for years to come. 

If you’re ready to start an exciting career in commercial roofing, take a look at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s job board and apply today.

What to Know About Materials Shortages in the Roofing Industry

Posted on by John Maxwell

A perfect storm of supply chain issues has spurred unprecedented shortages in roofing as well as the construction industry at large. These problems are widespread, affecting countries across the world and almost every type of construction material. As a result of materials shortages in the roofing industry, many construction companies are unable to deliver their usual level of service. Materials have become more expensive and are taking longer to produce. The delays are also highly unpredictable, leaving companies unsure of when they will be able to complete a job or how much it will cost. 

Here we will explain what is happening and why roofers around the world over are struggling to perform their work as usual.

Supply and Demand Issues

Shortages in steel, lumber, and chemicals used in construction are driving up costs. Steel and lumber shortages first began to appear in 2018 as a result of tariffs on imports from China and Canada. This created a backlog of producers in need of materials before the pandemic even hit. Then, in 2020 when COVID-19 appeared on the scene many manufacturers and other providers of raw materials (like sawmills, steel manufacturers, and chemical plants) drew down their production due to uncertainty. Some of these businesses closed for good, and those that have reopened have not been able to secure the raw materials they need to quickly ramp up production to meet their increasing backlog of orders. 

These shortages in roofing material are overlapping with a huge surge in demand for homes and other buildings following the pandemic. There is an increased demand for homes spurred by people moving during the pandemic, and many projects delayed in 2020 are now getting underway.

Panic buying by contractors unable to secure construction materials has also inflated demand and compounded delays. Many construction companies are double ordering materials in hopes of securing them sooner and instead are creating confusion with manufacturers. 

Transportation Issues Are Causing Delays

The pandemic contributed to a slowdown in global shipping, which has contributed to a shortage of shipping containers in the U.S. This has slowed trucking and transportation in rail, making the delivery of roofing materials much less reliable than in the past. Even when a company does manage to secure materials for construction, they are often delayed or rerouted.

Before the pandemic, the delivery of materials from Asia used to take about seven weeks and was very reliable. Those same shipments are now taking 24 weeks if the materials can be secured at all.

Gulf Storms Have Slowed Production and Disrupted Transportation

Ice storms, hurricanes, and even a fatefully placed lightning strike have all conspired together to disrupt petrochemical production in Louisiana. The state is a global hub for these materials, which are used in nearly every type of roofing system. Storms halted chemical production at some facilities, leading to skyrocketing prices and shortages. Major hurricanes, like Ida, also disrupted shipping and rail transportation of other materials. 

Roofing Companies Are Struggling to Ensure Normal Service

All of these global issues are making it difficult for roofing companies to follow their normal processes for price and delivery estimates. Delivery dates on materials are no longer guaranteed, so roofers can’t estimate when they can get the job done. Since prices continue to skyrocket, roofers have been unable to accurately estimate the cost of jobs that will occur later in the year. 

We’re Here for You

Despite the materials shortages in the roofing industry, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. continues to work with customers to deliver the best roofing experience possible. If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help